After more than four months of “do not travel” recommendations, on Thursday, August 6 the U.S. State Department announced more relaxed travel advisories.
Beginning on March 19, 2020, the U.S. raised Level 4 travel advisories for any international travel, recommending that American citizens “do not travel” abroad due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Starting on August 6, countries and territories will be rated individually for travel advisories.
Although most countries retain a Level 3: Reconsider Travel warning, there are some exceptions. These countries with lower travel warnings are places where COVID-spread is low and the U.S. State Department does not consider to be high-risk areas. These places may become more open for business and leisure travelers from the U.S. and flights to these areas may become more readily available. We strongly recommend that travelers read and follow country-specific advisories and consider travel insurance that covers COVID-19 during the ongoing global pandemic.
On August 6, the advisories for the following countries were dropped to Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions:
- Macau
- Taiwan
On August 6, the advisories for the following countries and territories were dropped to Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution:
- Hong Kong
- Antarctica*
- Brunei
- Fiji
- French Polynesia
- Mauritius
- New Caledonia*
- New Zealand
- Thailand
*These countries and territories require travel insurance for visitors. Learn more about mandatory travel insurance.
There are still some countries and territories that retain Level 4 advisories due to COVID-19 including China, Afghanistan, Brazil and India. If you are an American citizen or resident, check the current U.S. Travel Advisories before planning your international travel.
Please note that as of August 6, the European Union and the U.K. are not accepting visitors from the U.S.
